Central Seireitei

[StephDLegend]

-------Coming from Rukon District------
With no more threats, Kinkō appeared. His subordinates had taken the captured to be held for questioning which was the most important thing. The other thing was the other attack that tried to take down Shihōin and Munetoshi, was graciously brought as well.

He had heard the whole exchange between the Shihōin and the Munetoshi. It was understandable to want to redeem your family. Kinkō very much understood that especially after what Sachiko did during the civil war. She had sullied the name of the Kuchiki clan and while it took work, the new head had began restoring faith in the family. He had a plan for the next step but it involved politics so he was careful in his approach, not wanting to set anything in motion without it being ready.

He remained quiet for now, letting the Shihōin finish his conversation with Munetoshi. When she asked for the members to take the man away, he made his approach while his subordinates took the man. "I'll be sure to relay your request to the captain. I'll more than likely speak with him sooner than anyone else." He voiced while keeping respectful in his tone. "Now then, I'll be on my way to resume my duties." He gave a respectful nod to the duo and entered the barracks.

The first place he checked was the captain's office but found that the man wasn't there. With that being the case, he returned to the lieutenant's office and placed the book he was given into his desk, safely locking it away. He took out paper and began writing up the after action report, knowing his captain would most likely be expecting it done as soon as possible.

Once the report was written up, he gently and neatly folded it and placed it in an envelope. He would present it to the captain personally while offering his words once the captain was finished with whatever task or errand he was currently running.​

 

[Kami Shia]

Keniro Senko

All of that anger and pinned up aggression was ready to be unleashed... all it needed was the right trigger and someone capable of pulling it, there wasn't much that could get under Keniro's skin, but Kagi his older brother knew exactly what would spark Keniro's flame. To see someone as pure and kindhearted as momma Senko shackled like a lowly criminal infuriated Keniro and immediately sent him into a frenzy.

The clinching of his fist as he felt an overwhelming rage consuming him as he lunged forward at his brother, that one moment was all he needed to unleash and awaken his true power not sure he would even land hit until he'd recognize his brother gripping his wrist taking advantage of Keniro's hesitation as an opportunity grab him but that hesitation was but a momentary gear shift for his fist to become his weapon of choice so that he could attack immediately without wasting time to draw his zanpakuto from its scabbard while Kagi waited to build up enough strength for a powerful attack, keniro would still launch his fist smashing it directly into Kagi's jaw with enough force to knock him off his feet and forcing him to release his grip. But not before his attack landed Kagi was quick and precise with his attacks leaving little time to react as Keniro planned to follow up with a barrage of consecutive punches after escaping his brothers grasp and creating some much needed distance between them only to realize his shoulder had been impaled by his brothers two fingers leaving a gaping hole in his shoulder that left behind the smell of burning flesh, this was a technique taught to them by their father that combined kido and hakuda that he was somewhat familiar with. He couldn't help but to feel angry like he did despite every that has transpired over the past few years all of it bottling up inside and this was him releasing his anger finally after so many years, he was so angry that he could barely feel anything.

Keniro's rage fueled by the sight of his mother being detained by his own flesh and blood; and for what he constantly asked himself. This couldn't have been his fault. From the looks of it this was all a plot from that night, was Kagi the one who murdered their father and tried to cover it up by threatening and silencing mother.

What was his game...

As of right now none of that really mattered, all he could think of at the moment was beating his face into the ground and freeing his mother.

For years he avoided his family after that tragedy and if this what family reunions were like he wanted no part of it, lost and confused he felt burden by their connection and longed for separation after the death their old man. He felt that his presence would only cause trouble, so he stayed away until now hoping to redeem himself up until now. This wasn't how he wanted to reunite with Kagi, the Senko family lacked a strong foundation and often butted heads with each other. However, there were a few exceptions like Keniro and their mother who possessed a kind free spirited soul.​

 

[Adonai]

---

Ten Days Later

---

​

 

[GhoulBunny]

The air in the underground chamber wasn’t just thick—it was drowning in her presence. Yūgure’s Reiatsu wasn’t the kind that suffocated with sheer force. It didn’t weigh down on the body like a crushing tide. It was subtle—deceptively intoxicating. If someone had been standing there with her, they wouldn’t feel immediate pressure.


Instead, they would feel lightheaded. The walls of the chamber seemed to bend, shift—like a mirage, as if the space itself were tilting ever so slightly. Their own movements would betray them—a step forward would feel like they had taken two, a strike aimed true would veer just an inch off-course. Their vision would blur at the edges, their breath slowing, their senses betraying them. It was not an illusion. It was real. The passive effect of her Reiatsu.


And yet, she was alone.

The underground training hall beneath the Shihoin Manor was vast, built long before her time, a secret place meant for those who carried the blood of the family. The walls bore the scars of centuries of training—cracks from blows that had been delivered with impossible force, deep indentations from clashes that had tested the limits of those who came before her. And in the center of it all, she sat.


Motionless.


A statue in the middle of the chamber.


Sakegire rested in her lap, still in its sealed state. The blade itself was an elegant kodachi, its sheath a deep onyx-black, polished but unembellished, as if it held no secrets. The hilt was wrapped in dark green cloth, a subtle contrast to the golden tsuba shaped like the rim of a sake cup. There was nothing outwardly intimidating about it. Yet, it hummed with something deeper. A presence. And Yūgure listened.


Her breathing was so controlled, so still, that if someone had been watching, they might have believed she wasn’t breathing at all. Her mind was elsewhere—drifting, sinking into a place that only she could reach. A different kind of world.

The moment her golden eyes flickered open, the underground hall was gone. She was somewhere else. A hot spring stretched before her, steam rising lazily from its glass-like surface, curling into the air like the last remnants of a dream. The water was a deep, rich gold, reflecting the sky above—an endless dusk, frozen in perpetual twilight. The surrounding rocks were smooth, dark, ancient, carved by time itself. Lanterns flickered at the edges of the scene, their light casting warm, dancing shadows across the rippling water. This place was as much a sanctuary as it was a trap. Because if one weren’t careful, they could lose themselves here.


“Yuuuur laaayte, Yū -Hic-gure.”


The voice came from behind her, deep, rich, with the slurred undertone of a man who had just taken one too many sips of sake but still had perfect clarity. She turned, and there he was. Her Zanpakutō spirit. He was plump, his round belly peeking out from under an intricately tied green-and-gold robe. His face was soft, flushed with warmth, his white hair short and slightly unkempt beneath a tilted red hat. His golden eyes gleamed—half-lidded, always teetering on the edge of amusement and judgment.


He looked harmless.


But she knew better.


Yūgure exhaled, a small, knowing smile touching her lips. “Sakegire.” She didn’t have many people she could genuinely relax around, but here, in this place, she allowed herself the briefest moment of ease. Until his gaze shifted. The moment was broken, his golden eyes narrowing, sharp despite the sluggish aura he carried.


“Hmph. Yu-Yu’ll be having a visitooor soooon.”


Yūgure blinked once, then sighed. “Of course, I will.” She knew the look in his eyes well—the same look she had when someone interrupted her mid-drink, or worse, in the middle of a fight.


Annoyance.


Sakegire didn’t like being disturbed.


Neither did she.


Yūgure’s golden eyes slowly opened. She didn’t react immediately, her breathing still calm, still deep. She let the weight of the real world settle back around her, letting herself become aware of the presence standing behind her. Whoever they were, they were big. The room was silent, save for the subtle, almost imperceptible sound of controlled breathing that didn’t belong to her.


She didn’t turn. Not yet.


Instead, she let the moment stretch, let the quiet settle between them. Then, finally, she spoke.


“What is so important that you interrupt my training?”


Her voice was even—not unkind, but distant, cool.


Only then did she move, slowly turning to face the intruder.


And there he was.


The man standing before her was nothing short of a beast. His fur was a sharp contrast of white and black stripes, a powerful frame wrapped in the traditional black of a Shinigami uniform, but there was nothing traditional about him. His face was broad, feline, his piercing yellow eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. His sharp teeth were barely visible behind the slight part of his lips, as if he were either ready to speak or growl.


He was massive.


And yet, he stood with a presence that was not hostile, but commanding.


When he spoke, his tone was measured, respectful.


“Lady Yūgure,” he greeted her formally, his voice deep but steady. “Apologies for interrupting your training, but I need to speak with you. It’s urgent.”


Yūgure studied him for a moment longer. Then, with a quiet breath, she pushed aside her thoughts of Sakegire, of unfinished business, of her irritation at being disturbed. She straightened, her expression calm, unreadable, yet polite.


“Alright.” Her golden eyes remained locked onto his. “What is it?”


He leaned in slightly, whispering something into her ear. Whatever it was, it made her roll her eyes, a slow, tired motion as she exhaled through her nose.


She almost looked exhausted.


Still, she nodded, rubbing her temple before closing her eyes for the briefest moments.


Ten days


It had been ten days since Kishō caused a rather explosive scene at the tenth division barracks. She had seen Kishō since then, of course. They were in the same division after all. Pretty much partners in fact. Even though Kishō would probably disagree. No he would disagree.


She just didn’t have the time to corner him about it. With the Arrancars attacking the world of the living and the overfflowing tensions of the Gotei; the ninth division was working overdrive. She had to keep up appearances both as a Shihoin and a Shinigami.


But she still wanted to know. No. She deserved to know.


What the hell happened at the Tenth DIvison Barracks? Kishō wasn’t some mindless brute. He didn’t just snap. He was like a volcano. With just the right amount of pressure he would combust.


And she knew it had to do with Sazanami Kazuki, the 10th division vice captain. And the captain of the 5th division Shizukana Kurayami. Kazuki had clearly pissed Kishō off, but why?


She was going to get answers.


Without uttering even another word to the man kneeling before her, she moved, leaving only an after image in her place. By the time he would notice she was truly gone, she would have been heading straight for the ninth division.


She was going to Kishō

[Traveling to Ninth]​

 

[Elk]

That warm touch from ten days ago had long since faded, but the cold weight of the brass and copper still lingered between his fingers. He turned it over, letting the light trace the intricate lines of the metals. As he placed it down, one hand moved to flick its side, setting it spinning between the table and his fingers. He watched it turn over and over again, refusing to slow, its metallic glint flashing like a taunt.

It mocked him—mocked his failure in his division, mocked his inability to stop the theft. Mocked the truth he dreaded most: that the hands behind it might be his own kin.

“As far as I can tell, this crest dates back over 1,000 years.”

His weight shifted at a snail’s pace to the side, his elbow gliding across the table before his palm opened up. His fingers traced his jaw before settling against his cheek. His golden eyes rested on the family crest. As it slowed, its spin came to a stop, and the crest fell flat onto the wooden table. His fingers slid toward it, gently running along its smooth, polished surface. If he had to guess, whoever had this last had taken real good care of it.

It wasn’t just the metal itself that made this crest unique. It was the way the lines fused together, creating intricate, wavy diagonal patterns that stretched across the entire crest. The brass rose above the copper, yet the flowing lines of both metals remained unbroken, almost as if they had been forged at the same time. Once again, his fingers ran over both copper and brass before his head lowered, and an exhausted sigh escaped him as he let his head rest lightly against the table.

“I get that we’re good at keeping records, but do I really have to read about every single slight Great-Grandma held against her husband? Or about our ancestors’ long days as Shinigami in the 6th Division?”

His hands shot to his hair, fingers locking together before raking through it, nails scratching against his scalp. His head dropped onto the table again, and a heavy sigh escaped him as his eyes drifted over the pile of books, the kanji fading into a blur.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the distance as one of the servants approached him.

“My lord, you have been stuck in this library for ten days straight. You have been neglecting your duties. You should return to your division—it does not bode well for someone who is a candidate.”

His shoulders lowered as he continued to stare at the books and scrolls before his eyes shifted down to the table.

“Those won’t really matter if we can’t find out who has betrayed us and the Seireitei… Who knows what the other noble houses might be plotting if they found out.”

“Well… I’ve taken the liberty of looking through some records from the past one hundred years, and I found this.”

A book dropped in front of Hideo’s face. The ink on the spine read Hanzō Shihōin.

“Grandfather?”

He straightened his posture, glancing at the man who handed him the book before looking back at it once more. His hand reached over, and he began to read, his eyes shifting up and down between each line before turning to the next page. Then his hand froze, his eyes locked onto one page, where the crest was drawn in the center—every line, every curve, an exact replica of the one in his possession.

“Not many people can forge two metals, such as brass and copper, into a pattern like Mokume-Gane, let alone keep the lining the same between the two different metals. A master craftsman known as Takiyo Hoshi took his time forging it. I passed it down to my son, Hirotaka Shihōin, and I later learned that he passed it down to Haruki Shihōin.”

Hideo’s eyes widened as he looked up at the servant.

“I had another brother?!?”
​

 

[StephDLegend]

It’s been ten days since the Rukon Riot. Ten days since he acquired the book. Ten days since the after action report and speaking with his captain. He made sure to give an accurate account of the events that happened at the point of interest, from the initial reaction from the citizens of District 58 to how the situation got escalated by the untimely arrival and actions of the head lieutenant.

Along with his report, he wrote an evaluation report on the head lieutenant. It was something he felt necessary not only due to the events that happened 10 days ago but also because it seemed like an integral problem that needed to be addressed. Not only did her actions undermine the lieutenant in the field but she made things worse all because she didn’t take the time to observe what was truly happening. She made an illogical decision and that could have gotten someone killed. To make matters worse, it wasn’t the first time and THAT meant it needed to be noted for the record.

Spoiler: After-Action Report: Evaluation of Head Lieutenant Fuyuko Munetoshi

After-Action Report: Evaluation of Head Lieutenant Fuyuko Munetoshi
Author: Lieutenant Kinkō Kuchiki
Subject: Riot in the Rukon District & Leadership Evaluation of Head Lieutenant Munetoshi

---

Incident Summary
During the recent unrest in the Rukon District, my objective was to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic engagement while ensuring the safety of all involved. Despite the hostile disposition of the riot leader, I was making measurable progress in calming tensions and establishing a path to peaceful resolution. However, the situation was deliberately inflamed when the instigator sought to provoke an unnecessary act of violence. Recognizing this, I utilized Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō as a non-lethal means to prevent further provocation and ensure compliance.

At this juncture, Head Lieutenant Fuyuko Munetoshi intervened unexpectedly and inappropriately, undermining the containment strategy by casting Bakudō #81: Dankū to counter my restraint technique. This action, combined with an unjustified public reprimand, by falsely framing my actions as aggressive, she delegitimized my authority and encouraged further hostility among the rioters. As a direct result, individuals who had been pacified became emboldened and attacked Shinigami personnel, forcing us to take defensive measures.

This is not an isolated incident.

During the Shinigami Civil War, in the wake of confirmed treason within the 13 court guard squads, I conducted a standard threat assessment regarding Lieutenant Munetoshi’s position, as is protocol in such circumstances. Rather than addressing the situation with clarity and professionalism, she reacted emotionally, irrationally, and with hostility—going so far as to make a direct verbal threat toward my family. This pattern of behavior suggests a lack of emotional regulation in high-stakes environments and a tendency to prioritize personal emotion over strategic decision-making.

---

Evaluation of Leadership & Tactical Judgment

1. Tactical Decision-Making: Poor

• Demonstrated an inability to assess battlefield priorities in crisis situations.
• Compromised an ongoing de-escalation operation through premature intervention.
• Failed to recognize the tactical necessity of non-lethal restraining kidō.

2. Emotional Regulation: Concerning

• Exhibited undue emotional involvement in a high-stakes situation.
• Publicly undermined fellow officers without basis, leading to greater disorder.
• Previously resorted to personal threats against a fellow officer, calling into question her stability under pressure.

3. Chain of Command & Professional Conduct: Negligent

• Directly overruled a subordinate officer’s justified actions without cause.
• Failed to coordinate or communicate prior to intervention.
• Encouraged resistance from hostile civilians through an emotionally charged speech, rather than following established protocol.

---

Recommendations
Given the recurring nature of these failures, I formally recommend:

1. A tactical evaluation of Head Lieutenant Munetoshi’s crisis response capabilities.
2. Mandated strategic training to reinforce decision-making under duress.
3. A formal review of her conduct during both the Rukon District Riot and the Civil War. to assess procedural adherence.
4. Mentorship or additional leadership training, as necessary, to support consistent professional conduct.
5. Consideration of reassignment should continued breaches of protocol persist.

The role of Head Lieutenant requires impartial judgment, tactical discipline, and the ability to maintain order in volatile situations. If these qualities cannot be demonstrated consistently, her continued service in this capacity must be questioned. It is my hope that with constructive adjustments, these expectations can be more effectively met.

---

Submitted by:
Lieutenant Kinkō Kuchiki
Squad 2, 13 Court Guard Squads

During the following days, the 2nd division had what Kinkō considered as a drastic change. The onmitsukidō were integrated with the squad and he was named Vice Commander-in-Chief. Protocols were established and the necessary training was done for both the young man and those who were under his command.

He also took that time to familiarize himself with the newest recruit pulled from the academy, Ren Mikazuchi. Turned out that she was brought in while he was in the Rukon District dealing with the riot. Kinkō knew his captain was methodical and did things for a reason. Whatever the reason, if it were that important, then Kinkō would be informed about it. For now, he focused on what was important; getting Ren trained.

When he wasn't occupied with paperwork or training, he had a very important task to take care of. Interrogating those responsible for the Rukon Riot. Through basic interrogation, he learned the name of the ring leader. Fugi. The guy was a pawn in a much larger game. He had no idea who the person he was working with was. He was almost useless since he didn't know the big picture but what he did know was the why he did it.

Where there was a puppet, there was also a puppet master. The true mastermind behind the events. The 'old man' that tried to assassinate Fugi and the shinigami was revealed to be an old woman. She was more resilient than her puppet counterpart. Though through methods of fear and psychological manipulation, he got her to tell him her name - Mahoro. Progress was being made day by day. While she thought she was resisting him by not giving up her information, she didn't see that this was all a part of the game. Kinkō was going to get that information whether she realized it or not.

For now, the lieutenant sat in his office. It was his break time and he was going to savor it before returning to his duties for the day.

 

[KagiSenkō]

---

Those eyes of a man who holds no regret staring at a broken soul, who was not just broken mentally and emotionally but also broken down physically. As the young Senko lay there suffering too many injuries from blood loss, all that enraged anger was misplaced or rather misused, a feeling he had never endured or had to face until now. Keniro's life, through Kagi's eyes, only sees him as someone who has never felt despair. Kagi knew the truth, and he knew his brother avoided his job because he was too scared to do anything alone. Not acceptable. Now that he had no more gas left in the tank, it was time for his resignation.

DEATH

Kagi pulled out his zanpakuto and held the point of the blade towards his head while staring at Keniro. There was no hesitation until he realized a woman was appearing in memory. That blue-haired woman appeared within his memory, and she was passive and always showing compassion, not a single lick of violence unless necessary. That was even rare, so rare that it hasn't been demonstrated. Kagi pondered why the image of her face came to his subconscious but then realized he had a choice. Kill a liability or allow him to atone and live? Usually, the answer has always been obvious: to kill anything that was a hindrance or a problem to the Soul Society. Keniro managed to be both, yet it would be easy to kill him. The sword was brought back inside its sheath, and Keniro shall remain to keep his life.

"Consider this your lucky day, little brother. She saved you. Considering this, it is your chance to be different. Suppose I catch you ignoring your duties as a shinigami again. I promise that I will kill you. There won't be any warning. You won't even see me coming. I will be sure to make your death swift. Every shadow you see could be me standing there, watching and waiting."

He wasn't sure if Keniro was in any position to hear these words, but Kagi hoped those words would sink into Keniro's ears and his mind. He may still look at the woman that lay in front of him, bleeding from the neck that was sliced by the hands of the Captain to trigger Keniro's psyche more purposely, and if Keniro was aware of her state and seen those eyes, he would come to see her eyes that once held so much, now empty and still. Taking her life away, Kagi kicked his body over to the masked individual like he was nothing.

"Get this trash out of my sight. Dump Keniro's body outside and have Division 4th pick up his body. I don't ever wish to see him return here. If he does, you have my permission to kill him."

That was the aftermath, and the last time Kagi saw his brother, his focus changed to getting things organized once he learned the riot's mission had concluded. Eventually, Kagi gave Lt. Kuchiki the order to save his breath and get the report in while Kagi left for a moment. He did not wish to be followed nor bothered for the time being. There was some planning and organization that needed to be done.

---

Ten long days of rebuilding, but not so much as the aftermath of the war, but it was organizing the merger between the Onmitsukido and Division 2. However, the invasion was far from over; the enemy was more likely to gauge our forces' response time, strengths, and weaknesses. The damage was significantly high, according to the reports and from what Ren had shared upon her return. Deep down, Kagi was proud that she survived. Ren wouldn't know that or be aware that he was glad that the young Mikazuchi returned unharmed; though Ren may think her role there was insignificant, it immensely helped Kagi learn a few things from her description alone about the Arrancar. During the reports, there was no sign of any hollow resembling the description of the one that carries a fishing pole. Could they have died from Hueco Mundo? Remain there to prevent from being seen? These are questions that only he knows how to get an answer to.

Nevertheless, there was this rift with Ren because the young girl expressed how angry she had been for being sent into the mouth of the beast all by herself with a couple of fodders to keep her company. Though he could tell Ren shook some fear and got a little more comfortable than before, Ren wasn't all excited anymore. The young girl who used jokes and sarcasm to hide behind was no longer there. Ren's behavior has changed; every day since then, it seems like she is losing her drive. Not as a shinigami but moreso the drive to be a part of Second. Kagi had been familiar with this behavior, and it was her self-reflecting exploring; maybe something during her expedition led her to a deeper understanding of values, goals, and her authentic self, which can involve feelings of both uncertainty and excitement. Hopefully, she can figure things out, and whatever journey she goes on, Kagi can only hope that she continues to grow as a better Shinigami.

During the ten days, new things have been established, with Kinkō being made Vice Commander-in-Cheif with his unit of the Patrol Corps. They each bestowed a reiatsu concealing cloak due to the nature of their jobs in the security forces, where their appearances are unknown, which preserves confidentiality. Specifically, they are assigned mainly to the Seireitei area and gather data on uprisings. In the event of those arrested and looking to escape, they are tasked with finding and apprehending them. That is the task Kinkō has been given now while still maintaining the protection of Central 46. For now, Kinkō has been tasked to oversee the detention unit and support the supervision of anyone within the Nest of Maggots and the underground prison of Central 46.

Not only was the rebuilding within his Division going through changes, but he also managed to have Ren trained in combat with his simulated version of himself. He taught her stealth skills, controlled her reiatsu, and focused on tactics. Kagi needed her to brush up on her abilities to utilize them for a more promising task. Most times, Kagi was not around but remained hidden within the barracks studying other reports that had been left all over, and he took the time to read his Lt's report from the riot.

After-Action Report: Evaluation of Head Lieutenant Fuyuko Munetoshi
Author: Lieutenant Kinkō Kuchiki
Subject: Riot in the Rukon District & Leadership Evaluation of Head Lieutenant Munetoshi

Incident Summary
During the recent unrest in the Rukon District, my objective was to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic engagement while ensuring the safety of all involved. Despite the hostile disposition of the riot leader, I was making measurable progress in calming tensions and establishing a path to a peaceful resolution. However, the situation was deliberately inflamed when the instigator sought to provoke an unnecessary act of violence. Recognizing this, I utilized Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō as a non-lethal means to prevent further provocation and ensure compliance.

At this juncture, Head Lieutenant Fuyuko Munetoshi intervened unexpectedly and inappropriately, undermining the containment strategy by casting Bakudō #81: Dankū to counter my restraint technique. This action, combined with an unjustified public reprimand, by falsely framing my actions as aggressive, she delegitimized my authority and encouraged further hostility among the rioters. As a direct result, individuals who had been pacified became emboldened and attacked Shinigami personnel, forcing us to take defensive measures.

This is not an isolated incident.

During the Shinigami Civil War, in the wake of confirmed treason within the 13 court guard squads, I conducted a standard threat assessment regarding Lieutenant Munetoshi's position, as is protocol in such circumstances. Rather than addressing the situation with clarity and professionalism, she reacted emotionally, irrationally, and with hostility—going so far as to make a direct verbal threat toward my family. This pattern of behavior suggests a lack of emotional regulation in high-stakes environments and a tendency to prioritize personal emotion over strategic decision-making.

Evaluation of Leadership & Tactical Judgment

Tactical Decision-Making: Poor

Demonstrated an inability to assess battlefield priorities in crisis situations.
Compromised an ongoing de-escalation operation through premature intervention.
Failed to recognize the tactical necessity of non-lethal restraining kidō.
Emotional Regulation: Concerning

Exhibited undue emotional involvement in a high-stakes situation.
Publicly undermined fellow officers without basis, leading to greater disorder.
Previously resorted to personal threats against a fellow officer, calling into question her stability under pressure.
Chain of Command & Professional Conduct: Negligent

Directly overruled a subordinate officer's justified actions without cause.
Failed to coordinate or communicate prior to intervention.
Encouraged resistance from hostile civilians through an emotionally charged speech, rather than following established protocol.

Recommendations
Given the recurring nature of these failures, I formally recommend:

A tactical evaluation of Head Lieutenant Munetoshi's crisis response capabilities.
Mandated strategic training to reinforce decision-making under duress.
A formal review of her conduct during both the Rukon District Riot and the Civil War. to assess procedural adherence.
Mentorship or additional leadership training, as necessary, to support consistent professional conduct.
Consideration of reassignment should continued breaches of protocol persist.
The role of Head Lieutenant requires impartial judgment, tactical discipline, and the ability to maintain order in volatile situations. If these qualities cannot be demonstrated consistently, her continued service in this capacity must be questioned. I hope that with constructive adjustments, these expectations can be more effectively met.`

Submitted by:
Lieutenant Kinkō Kuchiki
Squad 2, 13 Court Guard Squads

Kagi gauged the report, and after reading it, he spoke of the mission. The mission was successful, but he missed out on the part about being attacked by someone else. Also, Kinko never put in the report about the Shihoin being present or anything about the book he gave to Kagi to look over, as the same Shihoin passed over it. Was there a reason his report only focused on the Head Lieutenant's actions? The report was well-made but had far too many evaluating a comrade. Kagi saw the report as a personal criticism against someone who isn't part of this Division. His emotions and evaluation would have to be something to share with the person he is questioning. However, Kinko has yet to realize the mission had been a test to see how he faired being a Lt. His adaptability and thought process, while he may have overly evaluated the Head Lt. He has to realize that with the mission being a success, Kinko still failed though he wouldn't see it that way. Part of Kinko's report, versus Kagi's eyes on the ground, was caught using high-powered kidō against weak individuals. He could have efficiently dispatched them with basic techniques; despite Fuyuko's shortcomings, Kinko had some, which shall be rectified with Kagi's training to better utilize his abilities and tactics. He will soon have another chance to redeem his actions and decide Kinko's fate.

Regarding the book, Kagi wonders what this game is and what the Shihoin is doing there in the Rukon. The main issue is that it is a Shihoin, which Kagi truly distrusts, given how he served the previous Commander-in-chief before the Civil War. So Kagi added another person to his list of people he wished to visit. This is mainly for questioning, but the people he visits will be judged like Keniro.

*Somewhere within Division Two*

"Let your gaze rest gently on the flame. You don't need to enter a staring contest with it— soften your focus and watch its gentle movements. Notice how the flame flickers and shifts, how the light dances, and how the shadows play around it. If your eyes naturally blink or you need to refocus, that's fine. Be easy on yourself if your mind wanders. Gently bring your attention back to the flame if that happens. Visualize yourself as the flame center, with the flame around you as your aura.—steady, calm, controlled, yet dangerous as well."

The voice could be heard, but she would not see who it was physically. She was familiar with the voice of her Captain, who could not be seen in the dark room, where that candle of light was the only source. This method is a form of meditation that helps calm the mind. In this case, it can help someone vividly shape and control their reiatsu flow. The candle would been eye level to Ren.


"Once you got a good time to look at the flame, close your eyes. Focus on this image or picture the flame in your mind's eye, and allow your breath to stay slow and steady. Holding the image in your mind can help you continue to focus without the physical flame in front of you."

Mentally, candle meditation can help improve focus and concentration and reduce mental distractions. It can also help calm thoughts and encourage mindfulness, which Ren needs now. She didn't need to focus on anything but training her body and mind and honing her skills as a Shinigami. She should be aware that the voice of her Captain was a mere simulated version of him where he physically looks and acts like her Captain for training purposes, though small, slim, and without any facial. It was Kagi's previous version when he was first inducted as Captain.

---

Now that the days have passed and everything is in order, it is time to put many things in motion. Kagi's eyes watched over a small portion of the Seireitei while his cloak danced to the side with the wind. The height at which gave him the ability to see a small amount of the Seireitei from the hill of the Sokyoku. Both arms had been folded into his chest while contemplating his next moves as if he viewed everything below him as chess pieces. Kagi has been thinking about how he received a request from his brother to transfer to his division a couple of days ago. The same person who was punished, if not punished enough, would want to join the division of the man who murdered their mother while also trying to kill him. Kagi had always been puzzling about Keniro's thought process and why he wished to join under him. He has yet to accept the request, not that he was considering it but letting time go because he did not intend to honor that request with an answer. However, there was one person in particular he wished to see since she had awakened. He has not seen her since he was caught up in essential matters. Ren should be training in the simulated room while Kinko prepping and interrogating his captors unless he had finished it already. But then he would have to make one stop before seeing that blue-haired woman. Then suddenly, a single gust of wind swept across the hill, and as it passed, Kagi was standing on the edge no longer.

*Traveling to ???*​

---

---

---

 

[Amaya Munetoshi]

It has been ten days since the requested presence within the rukongai By Captain Senko, It has been ten days since speaking to the 3rd seat of the 8th division upon requesting a report of what he had found the required him to be away from his position. She was curious if his captain knew and supported such an endeavor at such a time. While she did advise it was an ill time to be seeking such things when the seirtei was having issues and reports of threats, she couldn't out right stop him. She couldn't just follow him around and drag him back to the squad he belonged to. She had her own squad and subordinates to tend to. That was a subject she was going to check on again when she wasn't dealing with her squad and the council of commanders.

Today was no different. She was up before dawn patrolling the first squad's routes. Call it a force of habit from her days in the ninth. The feeling was back of that day. It was too still. too quiet. Her gut was turning. It was her nerves possibly. She remembered that day, seeing the gate guardian that was of her squad. it was what she did everyday back then.

She stopped within the courtyard of the first turning back to the gates as a former memory of her first time walking into the first division with her former 9th captain, the former captain commander. That feeling in her gut was twisting again. She turned away heading towards her office passing a subordinate. The young subordinate bowed before quickly following with a small pile of papers and folders speaking of some of the on goings within the squad along with reports that have arrived while she was out.

She continued her walk without a single word a air of calm and peace resonated from her being as she waved and nodded in acknowledgement to those she passed stopping at her office before she turned to the subordinate looking towards the woman "You have done well gathering everything while I was out, Thank you." She spoke seeing the girls face light up from the praise receiving a thankyou for the compliment as Fuyuko waved dismissing the Shinigami before heading into her office shutting the door behind her.

It was refreshing seeing brightened faces even if the face she wanted was literally angry with her even more so then her own mother. The woman was persistent in ensuring her disgust for Fuyuko's halting of remaining the head lieutenant instead of going for higher seating as a captain or a captain commander. It made no difference to Fuyuko how her family felt. All knew there was no sway in getting up in the ranks from influence. that was what the weak did. No. Only the strong and those of a balance nature will rise. Those that are flawed and cracking will remain or fade away.

She moved to her desk setting the folders down before she allowed her eyes to glance over the letter on the surface, hidden slightly under the paperwork. It was her personal report to Kagi of her understandings with the mission. She gave her detailed report of the mission, her reasoning for the late arrival and sight before her. She spoke of kiniko's use of Kido being excessive on citizens who held weapons that can be found within any house within the rukongai. Needing kido above Sai on a common citizen was excessive. Let alone just some simple movements and hits were to be enough. She did speak of her reasoning and what excluded from her reasoning but on her report she never once brought out her own blade. She was never going to harm the citizens anymore then she did. His use of his shinkai and tools along with his kido was excessive and something she requested understanding as she was sure she knew Kagi and his teachings from her own experience within the omni under him. He would never allow such excessive force on those not of Shinigami level. While she felt she might have missed some parts of that mission request she was sure she was much more effective then what the lieutenant used. She also spoke of the Shihōin and the book he brought in question along with the cold acknowledgement and exchange of the kuchiki and the 3rd seat. She spoke of the attackers and the work the two males did along with the acknowledgement of who the subjects were left in custody and the one the Shihōin and her brought to the 2nd division. She did advise that maybe a briefing of humility was needed for the kuchiki as she felt something was off of the Shinigami she had learn to train with.

Her letter was for his captain only as it was his captain's duties to ensure the sourness in his lieutenant was squashed as she knew sometimes the shadows were not always so kind and will bring forth the faults.

"I wonder if the shadows will retract from the light or swallow it all by days end." She asked softly pushing the window aside before she turned walked away from it allowing the gentle breeze. Call it instinct or luck but without a single missed thought a pot of tea was set and brewing along with two cups , empty but seemingly waiting just as she was. She removed her blade from her waist sitting it on a shelf behind her before she sat back at her desk, closing her eyes as she took a breath relaxing back enjoying the smell of the tea brewing.​

 

[GhoulBunny]

Ten Days Earlier


“Oh, hell no—HEY! LET GO OF ME, YA PURPLE-HAIRED KIDNAPPER!”


Ren kicked, twisted, and flailed like a wild animal as Gyōja dragged her forward, her protests echoing over the ruined streets of Karakura.


“YA CAN’T JUST YOINK PEOPLE! I GOT RIGHTS, YA-“


She dug her heels into the cracked pavement, grabbing onto a lamppost for dear life—but it was no use. The purple-haired bastard didn’t even break his stride, yanking her clean off the ground like she weighed nothing.


“I SWEAR , I’LL BITE YA! I’LL DO IT!”


Nothing.


Not a single reaction.


Just calm, focused steps as he hauled her away like she was a misbehaving pet.


And Ren?


Ren was losing her goddamn mind.


She had stayed behind to help with the cleanup—voluntarily. She had watched the Hollows retreat through the Garganta, had seen the damage left behind, the lives lost. She had used a Kikanshinki, erasing the memories of those humans unlucky enough to witness the madness. And for once, she wasn’t just messing around. She had been helping. Doing something that actually mattered.


And now—


Now she was getting dragged away like some lost rookie.


“HELP! I’M BEIN’ ABDUCTED! THIS IS A VIOLATION OF MY BASIC SHINIGAMI RIGHTS!”


Her shouting only earned her a few bemused glances from nearby officers, none of whom seemed inclined to help. Probably because Gyōja wasn’t actually kidnapping her—but that was beside the point.


Then, just as she reared back for another swing—Gyōja stopped.


And she stopped.


Not because she wanted to.


But because standing in front of them was a woman in a Captain’s haori—Kasu Shinka, leader of the Thirteenth Division.


Ren’s mouth snapped shut. Her entire body went rigid. And for the first time since she entered the world of the living, she shut up.


Gyōja finally let go, and Ren stumbled forward slightly, rubbing her wrist. For a split second, she debated bolting—just turning on her heel and making a run for the Senkaimon before anyone could stop her.


But then—

​

“There is a girl I know. I believe she would do well among our ranks, and she could become an asset to us in the long run.”​

Ren’s golden eye flicked toward Gyōja, her mind grinding to a halt.


Huh.


That was… interesting.


She had expected a lot of things.


Getting dragged through Karakura like a sack of rice? Annoying, but fine.


But Gyōja vouching for her?


That was new.


Then again, she figured Gyōja would vouch for her for anything if he had already dragged her through a battlefield. She still didn’t know how he knew her, and honestly, she didn’t feel like she had done that much to help. But she kept her mouth shut.


Because for the first time since her academy days, she actually let it happen.


She let someone say she had potential—and she didn’t run from it.


She didn’t say anything—just folded her arms, listening as he continued.

​

“If you would allow it, I would look after her, see that she is properly trained and learns our duties… so that perhaps when this happens again… we might have a better chance.”​

Ren just hummed. curious.


Gyōja had gone out of his way to pull her along. To keep her here. And she wasn’t sure if it was because he genuinely thought she could be useful… or if he just thought she was a liability that needed watching.


Either way, she had no idea what to do.





When Gyōja motioned for her to follow, she hesitated for only a second before stepping beside him, taking the Kikanshinki he handed her. She flipped the device in her palm, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.


Her smirk twitched—but for once, it wasn’t sarcastic.


“For real, though,” she said, tossing the device in her hand before catching it again. “Thanks.”


And that was the most genuine thing she had said all day.

​

---

Present Day – Second Division Simulation Room


The sharp crackling of electricity filled the room, accompanied by the steady rhythm of steel slicing through air. Ren moved without pause, her muscles burning, her breath heavy as she struck down the simulated targets with relentless force. Amanozako whipped through the space before her, the blade splitting into its segmented form, lashing out like a living thing as it carved through her opponent.


Her opponent?


Kagi.


Or at least, a hollow projection of him—cold, impassive, unbothered by the fact that she had been cutting him down for over an hour. The simulation reset each time, his image reforming as if her attacks meant nothing. And each time, she struck again.


Her grip tightened around her Zanpakutō, the voltage in her veins thrumming hotter the longer she fought. She poured everything into each attack—her anger, her frustration, the lingering turmoil that had refused to leave her since Karakura.


Since Kagi had sent her there.


Since she had been thrown into the chaos without warning, forced to fight for her life against creatures she had only read about in textbooks.


Since she had wielded Amanozako outside of training for the first time, feeling the rush of battle—not just the terror, but something else, something that made her feel alive in a way that scared her.


She had been angry ever since.


At Kagi, for sending her out like a pig for slaughter.


At herself, for making it through and actually wanting more.


At the fact that she didn’t know where she belonged anymore.


Amanozako whipped through the air again, but this time, the strike was off. Her body stilled, chest rising and falling as she clenched her jaw, her eye locked onto the figure of Kagi standing before her—just standing, just watching, as if her attacks hadn’t even touched him.


Her fingers curled around her Zanpakutō, sparks flickering between her knuckles, but she didn’t move.


Not this time.


The anger was still there. The resentment. But underneath all of it, something else had settled.


Something clearer.


She exhaled sharply, letting the lightning fade from her grip as she turned away from the simulation. She was done here.
​

---

The moment she stepped into her quarters, her eye landed on the envelope sitting on the desk. It had been there since earlier, waiting.


Waiting for her to make a decision.


Ren walked forward, slowly picking up the folded paper, her fingers lingering on the edge before she finally flipped it open.


She already knew what it said. Her transfer request had been approved.


She was welcome to join the Thirteenth Division.


She sank down onto the bed, the letter held loosely in her grip. It felt heavier than it should have, the weight of her decision settling over her in a way she hadn’t quite prepared for.


For the past ten days, she hadn’t stepped foot in Second Division. She had expected Kagi to send someone after her, to demand her return, to punish her for abandoning her post.


But no one came.


No orders. No summons. No threats.


Just… silence.


And for some reason, that had bothered her more than anything else.


Because she had wanted to be angry.


She had wanted a reason to lash out, to let herself believe that leaving was the right decision.


And yet, the longer she spent away, the less certain she became.


She had spent those ten days in Thirteenth Division, working alongside Gyōja, the purple-haired Shinigami who had dragged her through Karakura kicking and screaming. Somehow, he had become a mentor, guiding her through basic duties she had never actually been taught. He had shown her how to properly perform Konsō, how to use a Kikanshinki, how to navigate the responsibilities of a Shinigami outside of combat.


And for the first time…


She hadn’t hated it.


She had always been the kind of person people vouched for. It had been like that in the Academy, with instructors constantly saying she had potential, that she could be great if she actually applied herself. She had heard it so many times that it had stopped meaning anything.


But this time, she hadn’t felt the need to run.


This time, she had felt like she should stay put.


That didn’t mean she didn’t have doubts. Yes, she was angry at Kagi. Yes, she still wanted to learn from him—even if she hated to admit it.


But at the same time…


She had been pulled somewhere else.


Somewhere that felt right.


She glanced down at the letter in her hands, her future spelled out in ink.


For the first time since stepping foot in Second, she knew exactly what she needed to do.


With a deep breath, she stood up, folding the paper carefully before tucking it away.


She cast one final glance around the room—a room that had never really felt like hers—before she stepped toward the door.


And without looking back, she left the Second Division barracks—


Heading toward Thirteenth.​

 

[Elk]

---

Arriving from Southeast Seireitei

---

A light would begin to form around an empty area within the Daireishokairō, as the flash finished the there Elk stood. Hands in moving into his pockets, as several dozen small drones would flood out from his pants and across to any devices that had been set up to monitor, once attached these drones began to manipulate and alter the images that anyone could see. Into only seeing Elk disappearing with Sentan Hakuja. A soft whistle castle came out from him as he turned himself around to look at the veils that hid both Tomi and the scientist.

“That should do it. Any video and audio feed will be doctored for a bit. Welcome to the Daireishokairō. The Seireitei’s forbidden library, a wealth of knowledge along with all their dirty little secrets. Every choice central forty-six made every captain that showed up, and probably a good amount of information on some operations they had lurking in the shadows.”

His hand waved over both Tomi and the scientist, pulling back the veil that kept them covered. Before his eyes scanned around the area. His reikaku looking around for anyone but finding no one for the moment. His head tilted a back before his shoulders began to sink.

“I almost feel like a kid again, on the verge of getting in trouble again. Though I wanted to know if had any information on them…”

Rapid clacking echoed in the distance, each keystroke growing quicker, sharper—until it suddenly stopped. His head turned slowly toward the scientist. She stood frozen, hands hovering above the keys, her shoulders twitching with each breath. He stepped forward—slow, silent—his eyes flickering toward the console's screen, where several windows opened and closed in rapid succession. His gaze narrowed as he moved closer.

He didn’t know exactly what she was doing, but the tension in her body made it clear—she was chasing answers too. Still, he moved to the second console and stared at the screen.
“Would anyone know that we are looking at these consoles? ”

“As far as anyone is concerned the logs will show a central forty-six member, as to who I’m not going to give any names out.”

"She lifted a finger to her lips, silencing any further talk, then looked down at the screen and resumed typing—searching around for who knows what."

“As long as no one knows its us. Its kinda scary here. ”

Lets see…

H-O-S-H-I



The screen flickered ever so lightly as it began to search for the files on Hoshi. Every second that dragged on, had his heart pounding harder and harder, with each one, faster and louder, until finally a single line appeared across the screen:

Section 406, Row 12
Elk’s head snapped around, eyes scanning each row of the Daireishokairō, darting across the shelves until they locked onto the numbers: 4-0-6. His body flickered and vanished, reappearing near the row. Slowly, he began to walk forward, his hand lifting to brush along the leather-bound books as he moved down the aisle—until he stopped in front of one marked ‘Hoshi.’

His fingers tightened around the spine as he pulled the book free. His heartbeat slowed. His breathing did too. Yet, as he opened the book, his hand trembled, and his eyes began to scan each word written inside.

Spoiler: Hoshi report

Daireishokairō Incident Report #672-M (Classified – Internal Circulation Only)
Subject: Confiscated Weapons Cache – District 46 Sweep
Filed By: Patrol Lead Daisuke
Date: [REDACTED]

Routine patrol intervention uncovered a sealed cache of weapons beneath the ruins of a gang-affiliated safehouse in District 46.

Contents recovered:

5 katana (standard length)

3 short blades

1 set of partial bracers (metal-reinforced leather)

All items exhibited reiryoku conductivity beyond standard Rukongai-grade materials. No enchantments detected. Craftsmanship significantly exceeds district norms. No forge marks or identifying crests found.

Suggestive of organized distribution from a high-skill, off-record forge. Investigation ongoing.

Forensic Weapon Assessment – Entry #672-M-A
Subject: Spiritual Lattice Analysis of District 46 Cache
Filed By: Engineer Hoshigawa (Reiryoku Mechanics Division)
Date: [REDACTED]

Upon further inspection, the seized weaponry displays signature characteristics of structured reiryoku sensitivity:

Spiral-core resonance lines

Soul-thread channeling in hilts

Tempering style consistent with Eastern forging methods

Burn pattern on one blade’s edge confirms previous matches found on weapons recovered from District 52 uprising (15 years ago). All samples exhibit identical soul-reactive harmonics and crescent-hardening—indicative of a singular forging family line.

Match confirmed: Hoshi family craftsmanship. Archival query recommended.

Daireishokairō Historical Record #884-V-2 (Restricted – Archival Use)
Subject: Hoshi Family – Blacksmith Lineage (District 40)
Filed By: Analyst “Kurotaka”
Date: [REDACTED]

The Hoshi family, based in Eastern Rukongai District 40, maintained a reputation for crafting reiryoku-sensitive weapons with uncommon precision.

Forged primarily katana and short blades, occasionally light armor (bracers, shoulder plating). Weapons carried no spiritual enhancements, but were lauded for near-perfect spiritual resonance and long-term durability—allowing even minimally trained users to channel their energy efficiently.

Multiple off-record investigations link the Hoshi family to weapon circulation among unregistered gang factions and fringe ideological groups. Believed to have bartered weapons in exchange for resources and protection.

No official complaints were filed against the family, and due to their non-noble status, oversight was minimal. The family ceased activity following their collective deaths from a plague event [see file #936-Z].

Daireishokairō Intelligence Report #884-V-3 (Central 46 Access Only)
Subject: Black Market Distribution Trail – Hoshi Forged Weapons
Filed By: Operative “Ibis”
Date: [REDACTED]

Traced movement of confirmed Hoshi-crafted blades reveals a smuggling network centered around Districts 44–49. Intermediaries include unregistered peddlers, smuggling contacts, and courier groups operating without spiritual licenses.

Arms delivered in unmarked containers, often wrapped in black silk or bundled among mundane supplies.

No evidence the Hoshi directly handed off weapons to end users. All transfers observed involved go-betweens or proxy buyers. Suspected that family deliberately kept their names detached to avoid reprisal or official scrutiny.

Final confirmed movement: ~6 years prior to Hoshi extinction event.

​